The committee working to restore Dana Quewezance Memorial Field is hoping the project will receive needed funds through a contest for the second time.
Estevan was named one of eight finalists around the province in the Richardson Pioneer Rider Nation Community Celebration on Saturday.
Of the finalists, three communities will receive money for their cause, with the winner getting $50,000 and two runner-ups being awarded $25,000 each. The top three will be chosen by fan voting.
The competition, which involves Richardson Pioneer, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the 101st Grey Cup Festival committee, is aimed at helping other communities share in the Grey Cup experience.
Estevan's bid was submitted by the Woodlawn Athletic Park committee, with the funds going toward the continued restoration of that part of the Woodlawn Regional Park, if chosen as a winner.
The other finalists are Assiniboia, Moosomin, Whitewood, Dalmeny, Davidson, Leroy and Unity.
Wanda Harron, a coach and board member with Estevan Minor Football, who was involved in making the submission, said the process was "very, very similar" to that of TSN's Kraft Celebration Tour, which Estevan won a stop on in 2011, along with $25,000 for the field. Harron also submitted that bid.
Estevan's submission included an essay about the field and the flooding it endured in 2011, and the ongoing plans to revitalize the area as part of the Woodlawn Athletic Park Restoration Project. It also featured photos of the field after the flooding and, more recently, during restoration work.
"It wasn't necessarily just sports, they wanted to see how the whole community could get involved in your project," said Harron. "We involved the football/soccer field, the ball diamonds, how the committee wants to get better parking and a playground down there. We submitted pictures of the grand re-opening, and showed all aspects of who could use that park."
The essay submission included details of the cleanup effort and the work that still needs to be done.
"The field had the irrigation system installed and sod was laid late last fall. The restoration of buildings like the locker rooms, concession and announcer's booth continues. Many, many hours have been spent re-sheeting and painting the interiors of these buildings by our volunteers. The concession is in need of new cupboards and appliances. There's electrical and plumbing work yet to be done," the submission notes.
"We need to continue the development of the project. Primarily, funds would pay for lighting installation, improvements such as a picnic area, fencing, more sod, a children's play area, grass and upgrades to the ball diamond, including shale and fencing. And of course, help cover the costs of the current projects. All these projects total well over $200,000."
Harron said that submitting a bid for the contest is a good way to try to get money required to finish the project, without again putting the squeeze on people and corporations that already donate to a variety of causes on a regular basis.
"The community's been so good to us that personally, I always hate going back to the well and asking for more money. If you can take the initiative and do something like this by having the whole community get involved in voting every day"
People can vote once per day at www.101greycupfestival.ca/vote. The voting period closes on Sept. 11, with the winners being announced on Sept. 14 during the Riders' home game against the Toronto Argonauts.
